This unit of study takes a big-picture perspective to explore the political dimensions of health and healthcare in the Australian context. It focuses on the ways in which political imperatives influence conceptualisations of health and illness, and the organisation and delivery of healthcare. Students will be introduced to the key structural and funding components of the Australian healthcare system, their interrelationships and implications for the way care is conceptualised and delivered in Australia. This unit is designed to enhance awareness and understanding of ways in which the health care system can both facilitate and limit access to health care for particular population groups, providing a focus on access and equity issues that contribute to patient experiences and their health outcomes. The unit will critically compare the Australian system with other national health-care systems to develop students’ understanding of how the Australian system is situated, and perceived, internationally. Workforce issues will be explored, including the various roles of healthcare professionals and the ways in which these roles, and associated inter-professional relationships, may change over time. There is a focus on developing students' ability to critically assess current issues and challenges facing the Australian health system, including pressures for reform. Throughout the unit, there is an emphasis on nursing as a critically important profession within the broader healthcare arena.
Unit details and rules
Academic unit | Nursing and Midwifery |
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Credit points | 6 |
Prerequisites
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48 credit points of 1000 level units and 36 credit points of 2000 level units |
Corequisites
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None |
Prohibitions
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None |
Assumed knowledge
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None |
Available to study abroad and exchange students | Yes |
Teaching staff
Coordinator | Moira Dunsmore, moira.dunsmore@sydney.edu.au |
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Lecturer(s) | Moira Dunsmore, moira.dunsmore@sydney.edu.au |
Heather Shepherd, heather.shepherd@sydney.edu.au | |
Tutor(s) | Isaac Addo, isaac.addo@sydney.edu.au |